Flora! Illuminated is a non-traditional alphabetical exploration of spectacular plant images from the Suzette Morton Davidson Special Collections of the Sterling Morton Library. Snippets of song lyrics, poetry and prose have been selected to accompany these brilliant images to create a memorable experience for visitors. The exhibit highlights rarely seen artwork and rare books, revealing the extraordinary depth of the library’s collections and of the plant world.

Flora! Illuminated Exhibit
Open Tuesday-Saturday, March 12-June 29, 2010
The Sterling Morton Library

Curious about the oldest book in the Library’s collection? It’s our copy of Pliny’s Historia Naturalis published in 1481. (Published in Parma, Italy – 11 years before Columbus encountered America.)

Ever wonder what else we have in the Library besides books? Take a look at selections from our collection of butterflies and moths created by naturalist, Sherman Denton, in 1895.

Have you heard of David Fairchild, noted botanist and plant explorer? In preparation for a 1946 lecture in Palm Beach, Florida, he wrote his lecture notes on a sea grape leaf.

There are a host of other curious and unique items at The Sterling Morton Library that are on display from time to time. The last time these items were on display was during the Member Open House in June 2009.